| Description |
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is an internationally recognized condition that presents unique strengths and challenges. Research-based interventions primarily address challenges associated with the condition. Few autism interventions and research focus on strengths. For the development of more effective, internationally applicable interventions, there is a need for better understanding of how autism strengths influence interventions across cultures. This study sought to learn the perceptions of autism strengths by autism professionals in the U.S. and Japan and how their approaches include strengths. Seventeen semistructured interviews with professionals from the two countries who work directly with children with autism were conducted. Audio recordings of U.S. and Japanese interviews were transcribed, translated, and independently coded by research team members native to each respective country. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes found in participant responses, coded into the following categories: (a) Interventions Used, (b) Challenges and Impact on Future, (c) Character Strengths, Talents, and Impact on Future, and (d) Interventions and Goals Addressing Strengths. Few differences were found between American and Japanese perceptions of the strengths and challenges of autism and the influence of their interventions on strengths. Specific challenges and strengths were identified by participants in both cultures. Addressing both challenges and strengths was seen as important for future success of participants' clients. Participants reported using clients' strengths creatively within their iv intervention approaches, usually for the purpose of improving challenges, and some expressed a desire for research-based methods of addressing strengths to be structured within established interventions. Findings of this study inform future research and practice on addressing autism strengths within interventions in the U.S. and Japan. |
